The Super Bowl this year is going to be as Los Angeles as it can get. We got the Rams going for that win at Sofi Stadium, we got L.A. hip-hop legends Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar performing at the halftime show. But no sporting event is complete without some L.A. grub.
L.A. TACO is excited to announce that three of the city’s beloved Latina-owned restaurants (including two L.A. TACO partners) will be serving up some of their signature offerings at the Super Bowl’s official tailgate, where it’s said a crowd of 9,000 fans will be salivating for some pre-game eats. It’s safe to say that their city is proud and rooting for them.
Meet the three Latina-owned businesses catering the official Super Bowl tailgate below.
Guelaguetza Restaurant
First up is the James Beard Award-winning Guelaguetza Restaurant, proudly serving what they consider to be “the best Oaxacan food in the country.” They are one of 225 local businesses chosen to participate in this year's Super Bowl through the Super Bowl LVI Business Connect program. Although the restaurants could not disclose what exactly they will be offering, you can expect these ladies to serve anything from their famous tlayudas de choriqueso, also known as a “Oaxacan pizza” to their “especial de carnes” dish which includes tasajo, cecina, and chorizo. One thing is for sure no matter what they serve, all their dishes are traditional recipes passed down to them from their family. And just like they created memories centered around these particular dishes they hope those at the Super Bowl will do the same when trying their food.
When asked how they felt about reaching Super Bowl heights, Paulina Lopez, co-owner of La Guelaguetza, said:
“It’s insane, we are super excited to be part of the event and we’re excited that we are one of the few Latina-owned businesses that are going to be part of the Super Bowl, it's a huge deal,” she said. “When my parents came in 1994 to this country and my dad was selling door to door I don't think he would have ever imagined that the seeds he was planting at the time would flourish in this way, its a testament that if you believe in something and put your heart into it you can achieve it all, it’s an honor.”
TODO VERDE
The Super Bowl is going green because Todo Verde, the plant-based restaurant founded by chef Jocelyn Ramirez, will be making mouth’s water at this year's Super Bowl tailgate. Whether it’s their jackfruit tinga tacos, their secret menu vampiro tacos made with their housemade cashew-cheese. Or their poblano macaroni and cheese, there is no going wrong when it comes to this Latina’s vegan recipes. And considering how the weather has been lately, let’s hope they serve up some of their famous plant-based ceviche, made out of hearts of palms marinated in lime juice. For chef Ramirez though, being involved with the Super Bowl is much more than just representing her restaurant, it's about representing her city through her food.
“For me, it feels really exciting to be a part of such a big event, this Super Bowl is very representative of Los Angeles. If you take a look at the halftime performers and all these folks involved it’s the L.A. some of us grew up with, it's the L.A. we know and to be able to share the same space is exciting,” she said. “It’s going to be a great culinary experience because the food being served is diverse and for us as a plant-based restaurant to be included in an event that is mostly known for its meat consumption, is very special.”
Yuca’s LA
Last but certainly not least is Yuca’s LA, which has been around since 1976 serving a variety of Mexican food with Yucantan flavor. The James Beard Award winning restaurant is run by Dora and Socorro “Mama” Herrera and for the past 46 years they have been serving everything from bean and cheese burritos to their ever so famous cheesy burgers. When asked how they feel about taking their beloved food and recipes to the Super Bowl they said:
“It’s mind-blowing, all the preparation to get here is so worth it, it's like the little engine that could. We have a very small footprint but our heart can't be contained. I can't believe we almost thought about not applying for this,” Herrera said in disbelief. “Yuca’s is generations of love and unity and we’re excited for people to taste our food and for them to build new traditions with Yuca’s LA and to do it at such a large well known event, there’s simply no words.”
